POLL: Independent presidential candidate surges into stunning lead in deep-red state

Evan McMullin. George Frey/Getty Images Evan McMullin— an independent conservative presidential candidate who launched his campaign in early August — has vaulted into first place in Utah, according to a new poll.

A Wednesday poll from Emerson College showed McMullin leading the pack in Utah with 31% support. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump came in second with 27%, followed by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton with 24%. Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson received 5% of the overall support.

The poll found that 51% of Utah voters who backed Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas in the primary now say they are voting for McMullin. Just 29% of Cruz voters in Utah are leaning toward Trump, per the poll.